With one school year behind us and another on the way, sports physical season is here. As a family medicine physician who also serves as a team doctor at several universities and a high school, I’m gearing up for my busiest time of year. Between now and fall, I’ll perform hundreds of sports physicals. Lucky for me, I enjoy it. Working with these young athletes is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice.

Often sports physicals and well-child exams are one and the same, but sometimes seasonal sports require a standalone sports physical. It’s important to remember, however, that sports physicals do not replace annual well-child exams, and I encourage my patients to also schedule an annual physical exam for overall health. While parents and children often view annual sports physicals as a hassle — nothing more than a state-mandated requirement if you want to play sports in high school — I know how important they are for children, adolescents and college-age athletes.

I’ve seen sports physicals uncover potentially life-threatening conditions in student athletes in the Ann Arbor area. Fortunately, very few of the sports physicals we perform each year result in a diagnosis that precludes participation in sports. Most often, sports screenings reveal only minor problems that can be addressed before and during the season.

In general, your sports physical should always include screening for:

- Cardiovascular disease and heart rhythm disorders, potentially deadly conditions among athletes.

- Certain neurological conditions including concussions, which can have a big impact on student athletes in later years.

- Musculoskeletal issues. Your physician should look for injuries that need to be rehabbed before starting the season. When appropriate, your physician may recommend equipment modification or a strengthening program.

The physician is able to customize sports physicals for each athlete depending on the sport in which they participate. They can screen for issues and concerns associated with a specific sport, and also discuss injury prevention. Proper equipment usage and injury prevention are the keys to a successful sports season. A sports physical doesn’t normally address issues of immunization, growth and development concerns, bike safety and TV time — the sort of things we talk to parents about during well-child exams.

I recommend annual sports physicals to ensure the well-being of any athlete. To help avoid serious injury be sure to report any health concerns or illnesses to your team physician.

Zoë Foster, MD, of IHA Pinckney Family Medicine is board-certified in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Primary Care Sports Medicine. She also serves as a volunteer team physician for Pinckney High School, a team physician for the University of Michigan field hockey team, and team physician at Eastern Michigan University. IHA Pinckney Family Medicine is at 1255 East M-36, Pinckney, MI 48169. Dr. Foster can be reached at 734-878-1000. For more information please visit www.ihacares.com.